Gili Getz is an Israeli-American photojournalist, actor, and peace activist. He is best known for his extensive documentation of Jewish American political activism and is a regular contributor to Jewish and Israeli media, including Haaretz and JTA. His photography, specializing in Jewish weddings, events, and social justice movements, has been featured by numerous organizations and publications, including in the books Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel by Professor Dov Waxman and Days of Awe by Professor Atalia Omer.

Gili began his career as a military photographer in the IDF and later worked as a news editor for Ynet. After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) as a recipient of the Kirk Douglas Scholarship, he performed in theatrical productions across the United States, including Hanoch Levin’s Off-Broadway play Murder. His one-man play, The Forbidden Conversation, explores the complexities of discussing Israel/Palestine within the American Jewish community. Premiering at the Center for Jewish History in 2016, the play has since toured nationwide, fostering open and often difficult conversations in Jewish spaces, including JCCs, Hillels, and synagogues.

He also executive produced the documentary Israelism, which examines how young American Jews are transformed by their exposure to the Palestinian experience, often hidden from them. Additionally, for over 15 years, Gili has directed and performed in Michael McLean’s iconic Christmas tour of The Forgotten Carols.

A longtime peace activist, Gili serves as the board president of American Friends of Combatants for Peace, a binational Israeli-Palestinian movement nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. He also organizes with the Israeli Bloc Against the Occupation and, following October 7, co-founded Israelis for Peace, advocating for the freedom, safety, dignity and humanity of both Israelis and Palestinians.

He lives in New York City’s East Village with his partner, artist Yael Kanarek.